The American Immigration Council does not endorse or oppose candidates for elected office. We aim to provide analysis regarding the implications of the election on the U.S. immigration system.
The United States Senate has confirmed Kevin McAleenan to serve as Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. McAleenan has been a member of CBP leadership since 2006, serving as the port director of Los Angeles International Airport and then as acting Assistant Commissioner of CBP’s Office of Field Operations overseeing the agency’s 329 ports of entry. McAleenan became Deputy Commissioner in 2014 until being named acting Commissioner in early 2017.
As acting Commissioner under President Trump, McAleenan has been charged with implementing controversial travel bans, overseeing the development of prototypes for the president’s “border wall,” and asked Congress to expand the number of Border Patrol agents.
With his confirmation, Congress must hold McAleenan accountable for the recent complaints and lawsuits against CBP for turning away asylum seekers at ports of entry, separating families at the border, and referring asylum seekers for criminal prosecution.
